VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Hi kiters of BWD,
I thought there was a discussion here somewhere about old kites (pre 2010??) that were dangerous because of the lack of depower-abilities... ?
But I cant find it anymore...
What was the scoop? Can you point me to that discussion or give me your opinion?
So I have a couple of Naish kites I bought years ago to try kiting - but only did a few times - and now I'm wondering if it would be safe to do so again with these kites. Or sell them.
Thanks!

Please don't sell those kites, instead donate them to someone like Kalena who will turn them into clothing, bags, etc....

1- these kites are not safe
2- anyone who would appreciate them for their performance is now using gear that outperforms those kites.

-Todd

Okay, I won't sell them - I promise!
And consider donating.

I guess I should try use them either, eh!? Unless steady, light wind maybe??

So when did kites become safe(r)? Was it 2010?

Some kites as far back as 2006 would be considered safe but for the price that you will pay for a used kite, don't bother looking beyond 2010. As a general rule, they will be much easier to fly, better quality, and safer.

What's your budget?

I'm not really looking to buy any kites right now... just hoping I could give it a try some time

Don't do it. You'll have a lousy time, won't be able to stay up wind and you'll have a hard time getting a launch as no one will want to be the one that puts you in the hospital.

I hear we live in a town with a kite designer. Never heard of this Naish, but you might like Ocean Rodeo!

Haha Thanks!

Hiyo - second and support all the previous warnings. While a 2004 Naish kite was a great kite back in 2004, kite design has come a long way in terms of safety and performance. 2004 Naish kites are likely basic 4-line deep-C shaped kites with :
- very narrow wind range, won't fly well with too little wind and very limited depower within and beyond that wind-range, to the point of being very dangerous
- very challenging to re-launch form the water

I have tinkered with 2004-era C-kites to try and make them more user-friendly, added a 5th line for improved safety + slight re-launch improvement and a leading edge bridle to improve the depower ( which did help the depower ) but even with all this I was not happy with the kite handling. The newer designs have much better upwind ability, so much better water re-launch, they make learning to kite so much simpler. It really isn't worth the effort trying to modernize these old C kites, they are better off becoming a hammock, jacket, or shopping bag.